Dermatozoon

/ˌdɜːmətəˈzəʊɒn/ noun

Definition

A parasitic animal organism that lives in or on the skin, such as a mite, louse, or worm.

Etymology

From Greek 'derma' (skin) + 'zoon' (animal), literally 'skin animal.' This term emerged when parasitologists discovered the variety of creatures that infest human skin.

Kelly Says

The Demodex mite is a dermatozoon that lives on virtually every human's face in hair follicles—we're all walking around with microscopic roommates that are usually harmless.

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